Need info on wheels size. Please

[Black56]

Going to be doing my 2" suspension drop in a couple weeks. Im planning on putting some Intro 17" wheels on the 56. Except for the 2" drop all else is stock. I read 1 post that said 17x7 with a 4.5" BS.and a 225 tire is a good fit for the front. Is this correct? 2nd what is the max tire size for the rear and what should the backspace for the wheel be? Could I use a 17x8" for the rear? I do not want rubbing to be an issue. Thanks guys!

[Rick_L]

If you have dropped spindles the 4.5" backspace on the 17x7 is good. If you have stock drum brakes 4" backspace will work. If you have stock spindles and a disc conversion then a 17x7 probably won't work at all. The 225 tire is a good choice.

On the back you can fit a 275 tire if you do the backspacing exactly right, and your car's body and frame are aligned correctly, etc. A 255 tire is a more conservative choice.

[Black56]

If you have dropped spindles the 4.5" backspace on the 17x7 is good. If you have stock drum brakes 4" backspace will work. If you have stock spindles and a disc conversion then a 17x7 probably won't work at all. The 225 tire is a good choice.

On the back you can fit a 275 tire if you do the backspacing exactly right, and your car's body and frame are aligned correctly, etc. A 255 tire is a more conservative choice.

Thanks for the info Rick. The fronts are Heidts 2" drop spindles. I dont think they set the wheels out more than 3/8" So I assuming an 8" rim with 4.5" bs is the norm on the rear as well?

[56Mark]

Rick,
Why won't a 17 x 7 work with stock spindles and disc brakes? Just curious because that is what I have and I haven't decided on what wheels I want to run.
Thanks

[Black56]

Rick,
Why won't a 17 x 7 work with stock spindles and disc brakes? Just curious because that is what I have and I haven't decided on what wheels I want to run.
Thanks

I think maybe because stock spindels with rotors set the wheels out about an inch per side. I think anyways. Thats what I have now is stock spindels with disks. I really dislike the way it set my wheels out and hurt my turning radius. So Im changing the spindels. Ive always wanted to lower mine. After seeing some of the lowerd car pics here with billet wheels Im sold I love the way they look.:)

[Rick_L]

56mark, black56 summed it up pretty well. Your tires are going to rub with that setup, even worse if the car is lowered, for the reasons he stated. They don't make wheels with enough backspace to fix it.

[56Mark]

I haven't put the disc brakes on yet and I think they are only supposed to set the wheels out about 3/8". So, if they do set out more than that, what you are saying is that the dropped spindles will get it back to little or no offset? Will the disc brake parts transfer to the dropped spindles? They are basically the same set up as the stock spindle set up from CPP with the large GM calipers. http://www.classicperform.com/Store/1955_1970_Fullsize_Cars/5564WBKS.htm I'm glad I saw this thread since I haven't put them on yet and I don't want the wheels set out. I think I can live with 3/8", but if it works out to be 1", I will use the dropped spindles or a different set up.
Thanks again!

[Tom$lick]

I have a 57, disc brake conversion from CPP, 2in drop spindles AND 1.5in drop springs in front. I'm running a 17x8 with a 5.25 backspace, 235/45 tire. I haven't trimmed the fender lip at all and I rarely scrub even at full lock. I still have the factory stops on the front too. Out back, stock wheel wells. 1in drop leafs, 2in blocks. 17x9 with a 5.25 backspace, 255/45 tire. It's tight but there's a little wiggle room. Wheels are FOOSE Legends.

Tom

[Black56]

I did a little research on this and Im pretty sure that if you use a stock spindel the only rotor that you can use is the old Chevelle rotors. When you put those rotors on the stock spindel it will always move the wheels out the same for you, me or anyone that does it. I know mine moved the wheels out almost 1" per side, and killed my turning radius. The brakes work fine. But for me personally im not satisfied with that. I could have this all wrong but I think im correct.

[Black56]

I have a 57, disc brake conversion from CPP, 2in drop spindles AND 1.5in drop springs in front. I'm running a 17x8 with a 5.25 backspace, 235/45 tire. I haven't trimmed the fender lip at all and I rarely scrub even at full lock. I still have the factory stops on the front too. Out back, stock wheel wells. 1in drop leafs, 2in blocks. 17x9 with a 5.25 backspace, 255/45 tire. It's tight but there's a little wiggle room. Wheels are FOOSE Legends.

Tom

Wow Tom I bet that baby is on the ground! Do you have any pictures? Does it scrub on everything being that low? Thanks

[tomh115]

I am having a similar issue on my tires. our car has 2 in drop spindles and 1 in drop springs with disc brakes. if all of the calc numbers are right a 15x7 with 4.5 in backspacing with a 215/70R15 should work right? The back has been tubbed and leaf springs pocketed so we are running a 295/50R15 on a 15x10 on a narrowed rear end.:D any thoughts?

[Tom$lick]

Wow Tom I bet that baby is on the ground! Do you have any pictures? Does it scrub on everything being that low? Thanks

Well... the exhaust coming down under the frame horns is a little less than 1.5in off the ground. It touches down pretty regularly. I have to be real careful where I drive. A big dip before a bridge will put the pipes on the ground. I wouldn't recommend going this low but I can't bring myself to pick it up any. I just like this look. Plus it still rides like a Caddy.
The license plate pretty much sums it up...

http://i6.photobucket.com/albums/y205/NedRager/DSC00235.jpg
http://i6.photobucket.com/albums/y205/NedRager/DSC00237.jpg
http://i6.photobucket.com/albums/y205/NedRager/DSC00236.jpg

[Gustgo]

Sweet, best looking 4 door I have seen in a while :D

[Black56]

Thats a nice ride Tom! Looks cool. Thanks for the pics!

[210 Sport Coupe]

I've got 2" Heidts drop spindles with 1" lower springs. Stock control arms. Rear is stock except 2" steel lowering blocks. Front and rear stabilizer bars and a set of gas shocks all around. No issues, just enough room to clean the rear sidewalls.:cool:

Rims are Coys C-5 chrome
Fronts- 17x7 4.25 r.s. on 245-45-17
Rears- 18x8 4.5 r.s. on 255-45-18

Have some other pics in my garage.

5533

[Black56]

Looks great! Your photos are almost exactily what im talking about. I want my stance and wheels to look almost like your car. Do you recommend doing the 1" springs too? Does your car have good ground clearance? The 18s look good on the back. Thanks for the pics. Very nice car!

[210 Sport Coupe]

Thanks, I get plenty of compliments on the wheels up here in Canada. Not many see this style, Coys is like an independent company.

I don't have "1 inch lowered springs", I cut 3/4 wrap off mine and it worked out I think....eh?
Never bottomed out, would say I got 4"+ under frame at the front. Some say "you got air-ride"?

Anything in larger 20", probably feel the road too much.
JMO

[southcalihds]

wow that is a nice drop. and nice ride
my car is lowered too, but on cut springs, with drums on front.
I am having a hard time finding disc brakes that dont move out the wheels out.